Eagle Killing

JERSEY SHORE, Lycoming County- Pennsylvania Game Commission Northcentral Regional Director Dennis Dusza today announced that the agency is seeking information about the person or persons responsible for killing an immature bald eagle. The eagle was found in Clearfield County near the Penn/Pike township line, just north of the Curwensville Dam in the vicinity of Kirk Street extension, Lumber City. Dusza noted that Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs) Dave Stewart and Chris Ivicic are investigating this incident and is asking the public for information about the person/persons responsible.

A concerned citizen reported finding the eagle to the Game Commission on Sunday, May 15. According to WCO Stewart, a necropsy determined that the eagle was killed with a shotgun between Wednesday, May 10, and Saturday, May 14, and died where it was shot. Based on initial investigation, the eagle was probably perched in a tree at the time of the incident.

An immature eagle, which lacks the characteristic white head feathers, is defined as being less than 4 years old.

“This was a senseless act,” WCO Stewart said. “To have someone shoot and eagle or any bird of prey is an absolute shame.

“I am asking the public for help, if anyone knows or hears anything about this illegal shooting, they can call the Northcentral Regional Office at 570-398-4744. I will be grateful for any and all assistance. Any information we do receive, will be held in strictest confidence.”

Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited (PWHU) has offered a reward of $500 for information leading to the successful prosecution of the person/s responsible for the killing of the eagle. The Bennett’s Valley Rod & Gun Club is offering a reward for an undetermined amount as well.

Nationally, bald eagles were first protected by the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940. In 1967, the bald eagle was declared an endangered species by the U.S. government, because its population had been decimated by the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. In 1995, after a decade of re-introduction projects, eagle populations rebounded and the species was moved to the Federal Threatened Species list. Today, more than 6,000 nesting pairs live in the continental United States.

While the state’s bald eagle population has increased by more than 150 percent over the past five years, bald eagles remain on Pennsylvania’s Endangered Species list. For more information, visit the Game Commission’s website: www.pgc.state.pa.us, click on wildlife, choose endangered and threatened species, and select bald eagle.